Lucknow: Ahead of Bada Mangals, observed on all Tuesdays of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation has urged residents and organisers of community feasts (bhandaras) to adopt a “zero waste” approach, linking the city’s centuries-old tradition with sanitation and environmental concerns.Prior registration is mandatory, either through helpline 1533 or via the ‘Lucknow One’ app under the ‘Swachh Zero Waste’ category. The civic body will organise a ‘Model Bhandara’ competition to encourage compliance.Municipal commissioner Gaurav Kumar said that organisers must inform the civic body at least 24 hours in advance to ensure sanitation and water arrangements.Helpline numbers have been issued for coordination: toll-free 1533; mobile numbers 9219902911, 9219902912, 9219902913 and 9219902914; Jalkal control room 8177054100, 8177054010 and 8177054003; and sanitation helplines 18001234999 (zones 1, 3, 4, 6, 7) and 18002026172 (zones 2, 5, 8).Kumar said, “The move aims to ensure timely sanitation arrangements and supply of drinking water at Bhandara sites, with registered organisers receiving priority support.”Officials said organisers must avoid plastic and instead use biodegradable materials such as leaf plates and earthen cups.
